SPONSOR:

Rep. Longhurst & Rep. Bolden & Rep. J. Johnson & Rep. Potter & Sen. Henry & Sen. Townsend

Reps. Baumbach, Dukes, Heffernan, Kowalko, Mitchell, Paradee; Sens. Hansen, Richardson

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

149th GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE BILL NO. 150

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE COMMISSION ON DELAWARE AFRICAN AND CARIBBEAN AFFAIRS.

WHEREAS, the African Diasporic Community has a significant growing population in this State; and

WHEREAS, The Delaware Africa Caribbean Coalition (DACC) has been formed by the larger community of African descent in this State to represent the interests and opportunities specific to people of African descent.

NOW THEREFORE:

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE:

Section 1. Amend Title 29 of the Delaware Code by making deletions as shown by strike through and insertions as shown by underline as follows:

Chapter 38. Delaware African and Caribbean Affairs Commission.

§ 3801. The Delaware African and Caribbean Affairs Commission; creation and purpose.

The Delaware African and Caribbean Affairs Commission is created for the following purpose and functions:

(1) Provide the Governor, members of the General Assembly, and policy makers with recommendations required to promote the welfare and interests of all people of African descent who reside in the State.

(2) To work with various governmental agencies, business communities, and non-profit organizations to meet the needs of people of African and Caribbean descent, including seeking funding from foundations and other sources to promote workforce and economic development of the community.

(3) To provide a platform for the promotion of cultural and historical heritage of any people of African descent.

(4) To facilitate the socioeconomic relationship between the African and Caribbean countries, citizens, and residents, and this State.

§ 3802. Membership; qualifications; terms.

(a) The Commission shall consist of 7 members who are appointed as follows:

(1) Two members, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

(2) Two members, appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate.

(3) Two members, appointed by the Governor.

(4) One member, appointed by the President of the Delaware Africa Caribbean Coalition, or the President’s designee, from Delaware Africa Caribbean Coalition (DACC) members.

(b) The members of the Commission serve three year terms. 

§ 3803. Organization; quorum.

(a) The Commission shall elect a Chairperson at its first meeting in a calendar year and the Chair shall serve until a replacement is elected. If the Chair becomes vacant, the Commission shall elect a new Chairperson at its next meeting.

(b) The Chair of the Commission has all of the following duties:

(1) Setting a date, time, and place for the meetings of the Commission.

(2) Supervising the preparation and distribution of meeting notices, agendas, minutes, and other documents prepared by or on behalf of the Commission.

(c) If the Chair becomes vacant, the Secretary of State, or the Secretary’s designee, shall fulfill the duties of the Chair until a replacement is elected by the Commission.

(d) A majority of the membership of the Commission constitutes a quorum to conduct official business.

§ 3804. Authority.

The Commission shall fall under the authority of the Secretary of State and shall have such powers, duties, and functions described in § 3801 of this title and such other duties and functions as may be referred to it by the Governor, the Secretary of State, or the General Assembly.

§ 3805. Subcommittees; creation and purpose.

(a) The Commission may establish subcommittees to engage with other organizations in the State that share a similar mission to exchange ideas and information and provide those organizations the opportunity to serve the Commission.

(b) Any member of the Commission can make nominations of prospective subcommittee members and the Commission shall consider the nominations and make appointments to any subcommittee by majority vote of the Commission.

§ 3806. Compensation.

All members of the Commission and any subcommittees established under the Commission shall serve without compensation.

Section 2. The Secretary of State, or the Secretary’s designee, shall set the date, time, and place for the initial organizational meeting of the Commission.

SYNOPSIS

This Act creates the Delaware African and Caribbean Affairs Commission.